This is the second of a two-year program that the Minnesota Legislature funded to offer sizable rebates for individuals looking to buy a new e-bike.
Last year's roll-out of this program was, in short, a mess.
As I detailed over the course of a handful of stores last summer, the launch of the first-come, first-served application process was wildly popular. The website for people to apply was overwhelmed, almost immediately crashing.
After significant retooling of the site, the program eventually got going later in the summer.
In response to the high demand and acknowledging the limited pool of money available to fund this program, this year's application window was delayed, and a few significant changes were made for this year.
The application window just opened and will remain open until August 7 at 2 pm. Here's a look at what is different, and why you might not be eligible this year.
A quick recap on what this e-bike rebate is
In short, the idea is that people can get a voucher that covers up to 75% of the cost of a new e-bike. The value of the voucher is determined based on the income of the recipient and can be redeemed at one of a number of participating retailers.
The State of Minnesota set aside a limited pool of money for this two-year program, with $2 million allotted for 2025.
What's different for 2025?
The first big change is that rather than the "free-for-all" first-come, first-served way things were launched last year, this year's application process is a lottery, where recipients will be drawn from the pool of applicants.
The other big change is that fewer people are eligible than last year.
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The 2024 program cast a pretty wide net, with most Minnesotans eligible to apply for one of these vouchers. For 2025, you need to be under a specific income level or have a disability to qualify.
Qualifying Income Threshold
Based on your 2024 Adjusted Gross Income, you need to have earned less than the following:
- $78,000 for married filing jointly
- $62,00 for head of household
- $41,000 for all other individuals
Disability eligibility
To qualify as an individual with a disability, you need to meet at least one of the following things:
- Receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits
- Receive Medical Assistance for Employed Persons with Disabilities
- Be under the age of 65 and receive Supplemental Security Income
- Receive home and community-based disability waiver services
All applicants for either category need to be at least 15 years of age and have been a resident for all of 2025, as well as 2023 and 2024. You must also have filed an individual tax return for 2024 and 2023 and can not have been claimed as a dependent in 2024.
The application window is open now through August 7 at 2 pm. You can learn more and apply here.
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Gallery Credit: Nick Cooper